Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has made five changes to his starting team to take on the Hurricanes in Invercargill, with most forced by a mounting injury toll.
Winger Kade Poki's knee has improved and he returns to the starting side, while Ben Smith goes back to fullback as Robbie Robinson is dropped to the reserves. Robinson is bracketed with Tony Brown, who trained yesterday to test out his injured hamstring.
Jarrad Hoeata moves to the blindside flank to replace the injured Adam Thomson and Tom Donnelly comes into lock.
Hooker Jason Rutledge is moved to the bench and is replaced by Mahonri Schwalger.
Joseph said some of the changes were in reaction to some disappointing performances last week in the 20-7 loss to the Chiefs but most were caused by injuries.
Veainu (20) has made a couple of brief appearances off the bench but this is his first start at this level.
"It is a big chance for Telusa to come and show us what he's got.
You never know - if he can make the most of the opportunity he could be there for the rest of the season," Joseph said.
"He's got speed to burn, quite electric at times and good on his feet. But in saying that it is a big ask for him, he is still young. But cometh the hour, cometh the man."
Saunders comes into the team at second five-eighth after two impressive performances off the bench. That allows Smith to go back to his preferred position at fullback.
Robinson has paid the price for a disappointing game last week.
Schwalger should give the side plenty of energy in the front row but it is tough on Rutledge who scored two tries the last time the Highlanders played in Invercargill.
Joseph said energy levels had been better this week at training.
The side was feeling the effects of a long season but he was pleased with the attitude shown by the team coming off the loss to the Chiefs.
Lima Sopoaga will be entrusted with the goal kicking, although if Brown is passed fit he may come on at some time.
Joseph said the key to beating the Hurricanes was not conceding turnovers, as the Hurricanes were lethal at seizing on opportunities given to them.
The match looms as a critical one for the Highlanders.
"Every game is a big match but if we can win this one then we won't have to start looking at mathematical equations and start relying on other sides winning and beating other teams. We will have control of what happens," Joseph said.
Highlanders v Hurricanes
Invercargill, tomorrow, 7.35pm
Highlanders: Ben Smith, Kade Poki, Kendrick Lynn, Matt Saunders, Telusa Veainu, Lima Sopoaga, Jimmy Cowan, Nasi Manu, Alando Soakai, Jarrad Hoeata, Tom Donnelly, Josh Bekhuis, Chris King, Mahonri Schwalger, Jamie Mackintosh (captain). Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Bronson Murray, Nick Crosswell, John Hardie, Aaron Smith, Robbie Robinson or Tony Brown, Ben Atiga.
Hurricanes: Andre Taylor, Alapati Leiua, Jayden Hayward, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear, Aaron Cruden, Chris Eaton, Victor Vito, Jack Lam, Faifili Levave, James Broadhurst, Jason Eaton, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore (captain), John Schwalger.
Reserves: Dane Coles, Anthony Perenise, Jeremy Thrush, Mark Reddish, Piri Weepu, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett.
